Oruro

Oruro is a city in western Bolivia and the capital of the Oruro Department. It is located on the Altiplano, the high Andean plateau, at an altitude of about 3,700 meters above sea level. The city serves as an administrative, commercial, and cultural center for the surrounding region and is a regional transport and economic hub in western Bolivia.

Historically, Oruro developed as a mining town with activity centered on tin and silver and related industries. The surrounding area supports agriculture and commerce that serve the city and its environs. The urban landscape reflects its mining heritage, with a mix of colonial-era and 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.

Oruro is best known for its Carnaval de Oruro, a major annual festival featuring large processions, vibrant costumes, and dances such as the diablada (devil dance). In 2001 UNESCO designated the carnival a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and communal participation.

Demographics and culture: the population includes diverse Andean and mestizo communities. Spanish is the predominant language, with Aymara and Quechua spoken in parts of the city. The cultural calendar and daily life are closely tied to the carnival and to regional religious and social traditions.

Transportation and economy: Oruro functions as a transportation hub in western Bolivia, with road links to major cities and a historic railway connection that supported mining shipments. The local economy combines services, manufacturing, and mining-related activities, contributing to the broader regional economy.